Formula & Calculator
Token Vesting Unlock Amount
Calculates how many tokens from a vesting allocation (e.g. for team, investors) have become unlocked and available at a given point in time.
Interpretation
Unlocked Amount = Total Allocation × (Elapsed Vesting Time / Total Vesting Period). The amount of tokens vested and unlocked. Used to track supply schedules.
Variables
| Symbol | Quantity | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Unlocked Amount | Tokens unlocked so far | coins |
| Total Allocation | Total tokens allocated to the vesting schedule | coins |
| Elapsed Vesting Time | Time elapsed since vesting began | months |
| Total Vesting Period | Total length of the vesting schedule | months |
What it means
Vesting schedules lock tokens for a period, unlocking gradually. This formula calculates the total unlocked at a given time. It is used by investors and projects to track releases and to anticipate supply pressure. Understanding vesting is essential for evaluating tokenomics and for timing investment decisions. It helps in forecasting future circulating supply and potential selling pressure. It is a key part of due diligence for token investments.
Worked example
Token Vesting Unlock Amount – Two Detailed Examples
Real‑World| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Allocation | 1,000,000 |
| Vesting Period | 48 months |
| Elapsed Time | 12 months |
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Allocation | 500,000 |
| Vesting | 24 months |
| Elapsed | 6 months |
Common mistakes
- Total allocation: The total number of tokens allocated to the recipient.
- Elapsed vesting time: The time that has passed since the start of vesting.
- Total vesting period: The total duration of the vesting schedule.
- Unlocked amount: The number of tokens that have become available.
- Cliff periods: Some tokens have a cliff – no tokens unlock until a certain date.
Applications
Token vesting unlock amount calculates the tokens released from a vesting schedule at any given time. This is important for investors and team members to know their available liquid tokens. By understanding the unlock schedule, they can plan their selling strategies and manage price impact. Projects also use this to communicate token distribution. Understanding vesting unlocks is crucial for token economics and market analysis.
- Tracking available tokens for sale or liquidity
- Planning token sales to avoid market impact
- Understanding the project's token distribution timeline
- Assessing the dilution impact of future unlocks
- Educational understanding of vesting and lock‑ups
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlocked Amount = Total Allocation × (Elapsed Vesting Time / Total Vesting Period). This assumes linear vesting from the start date. For example, a 1,000,000 token allocation over 48 months unlocks 250,000 after 12 months.
A cliff is a period at the start of vesting during which no tokens unlock. After the cliff ends, tokens unlock periodically. For example, a 1-year cliff on a 4-year vest means no unlocks in the first year, then monthly unlocks for the remaining 3 years.
No, you must account for the cliff separately. The linear formula only works after the cliff has passed. Before the cliff, unlocked amount is zero.
Then you need the exact schedule. This formula is only for linear vesting. Other schedules require specific parameters from the tokenomics.
Remaining Locked = Total Allocation - Unlocked Amount. This tells you how many tokens are still subject to vesting restrictions.
Unlocks often increase supply, which can create selling pressure. Knowing when large unlocks occur helps you anticipate market movements and plan your own positions.
Yes, once unlocked, those tokens become part of the circulating supply and can be traded or sold. This is why vesting schedules are closely watched.
Yes, the same logic applies to any vesting schedule. Just plug in the respective total allocation and vesting period.